OHR related Articles

In recent days we have heard a new round of spurious statements from leadership in Republika Srpska challenging Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are enshrined in the Dayton Peace Agreement and guaranteed under international law.

BiH citizens are demanding that politicians stop bickering and start tackling corruption and poverty. Tomorrow, the Federation House of Peoples will have an opportunity to show that politicians are listening.

Nelson Mandela will be buried today amid universal recognition of his profound and enduring contribution to South Africa’s transition to multiethnic democracy, and to the struggle for peace and reconciliation throughout the world.

Legal procedures are in place at the state and entity level to ensure that executive and administrative positions are filled in a transparent and efficient way, but – from seats on the BiH Council of Ministers to seats on statutory boards – positions routinely remain unfilled until long after existing mandates should have come to an end.

The latest developments in Mostar, including the recent controversial vote on temporary financing for the City, have yet again exposed why it is so essential that a broad-based political compromise be reached that will bring an end to the current crisis without further delay.

Although deep political divisions persist in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the people of this country can rightfully be proud of what they have accomplished since the Dayton Peace Agreement was signed in November 1995.

Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina will host an international donors conference aiming to achieve one of the most important post-war tasks in the Western Balkans: just, comprehensive and durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

With municipal elections due to be announced on 10 May, time is fast running out to implement the rulings of the BiH Constitutional Court that require politicians in Mostar and the BiH Parliament (not the High Representative) to make limited changes to Mostar’s electoral system.

After years of stalemate, economic decline and mounting social problems, Bosnia and Herzegovina has entered a more hopeful phase. A Council of Ministers has been formed and all of the coalition parties are committed to tackling the economic crisis and getting the country back on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration.

In recent years, the International Community has resisted popular demands to intervene in disputes and solve problems that BiH politicians are not solving themselves by adopting and implementing much needed reforms, including those required for EU membership.